Every time I travel to Italy, my Italy packing list gets a little more intentional. Probably because I’m tired of dragging around a 6947484lb suitcase. 😂
Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s not about bringing more—it’s about bringing the right things that actually make the trip smoother, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.
These are the essentials I’ve ended up relying on the most, including a few things I learned the hard way after traveling to Italy.
1. Travel Medicine Essentials
- Your medications
- Melatonin
- Emergen-C/ Vitamin C
- DayQuil/NyQuil
- Allergy Medication
- Pain Relievers
- Supplements
Yes, you can find equivalents to many of these medications in Italy. But when you’re already sick, the last thing you want to do is drag yourself out of your hotel, find a pharmacy, and stand there trying to decipher Italian medication labels to figure out which product is closest to your usual DayQuil, pain reliever, or allergy medicine.
Melatonin: Italians have specifically asked me to bring this back from the States when I visit because melatonin isn’t sold in doses higher than 1 mg there.
Between crowded airports, long flights, and being surrounded by travelers, it’s easy to pick up something along the way.
A few years ago, I landed in Paris and almost immediately came down with a fever. Thank gosh I had brought my medicine bag, because I barely had the energy to leave my hotel, much less go to a pharmacy and decipher medicine labels in French.
2. Staying Connected in Italy
Italian Outlet Adapter — Italy uses different plug shapes than the U.S., so you’ll need an adapter to plug in your American electronics; I recommend bringing at least one so you can charge your essentials each night.
High-Wattage Multi-Port Charger — Instead of packing a separate charging brick for every device, a high-wattage multi-port charger lets you charge your phone, watch, headphones, camera, and other electronics from one outlet at the same time.
eSIM — An eSIM gives you mobile data in Italy without needing to swap out your physical SIM card, so you can use Google Maps, translation, transportation apps, and messaging as soon as you land. Set it up before your trip so you’re connected when you arrive.
Personal Hotspot — A personal hotspot gives you a dedicated way to connect your laptop, tablet, or other devices to the internet when Wi-Fi isn’t available or reliable. It’s especially useful if you’re working while traveling or need to connect multiple devices.
Your eSIM keeps your phone connected wherever you go, while a personal hotspot gives your other devices their own reliable internet connection. If you’re traveling just with your phone, you probably don’t need both—but if you’re bringing a laptop, working remotely, or traveling with multiple people, having a dedicated hotspot can be incredibly useful.
3. Your Preferred Feminine Products
If you rely on specific feminine hygiene products, I definitely recommend packing enough for your trip or bringing your preferred brand from home.
While you can find feminine products in Italy, I’ve personally found the selection to be more limited compared to what I’m used to, especially outside of larger cities like Milan.
Having your usual products on hand makes the trip much more comfortable and stress-free, especially when you’re on the go.
4. Italy-Specific Travel Essentials
- Walking shoes (already broken in)
- Crossbody bag
- Scarf
- Blister patches
Walking Shoes (Already Broken In) — You’ll likely walk much more than you expect in Italy, so bring a comfortable pair you’ve already broken in rather than risking blisters with a brand-new pair.
Crossbody Bag — A small crossbody keeps your essentials close and your hands free for navigating crowded streets, train stations, and sightseeing.
Scarf — A lightweight scarf is easy to throw in your bag and can double as a cover-up when visiting churches or other religious sites.
Blister Patches — Even with comfortable shoes, long days of walking can take a toll, so having blister patches on hand can save your feet when you still have another 10,000 steps to go.
5. The Random Things I Always Bring
- Fold-able tote
- Ziploc bags
- High-protein snacks
- Extra hotel key card
- A small notebook
- Refillable water bottle
Fold-able Tote: It’s different from a purse in that it actually holds those unexpected extras. Sometimes shops give you paper bags, and then suddenly you’re walking around and there’s a torrential downpour and you’re trying to save your wine bottles from smashing into the pavement. Ask me how I know lol.
Ziploc Bags: This is an item that Italians have asked me to bring them when I visit. They’re great for packing your items in and they just don’t make them the same in Italy.
High Protein Snacks: You won’t really find high protein snacks or bars, yogurts or protein powders like you do in the states so if your protein intake is important to you I recommend packing your own.
Extra Room Key: Some hotels use a key card inserted into a wall-mounted reader to control the room’s electricity and air conditioning. If your hotel uses this system, leaving a spare card in the slot can keep the room cooling while you’re out, so you can come back to a much cooler room after walking around in the Italian heat.
A small notebook: I use it to write down what I ate, where I ate, places I visited, and small details I don’t want to forget later. I also love jotting down new Italian words or phrases I hear along the way. It makes the trip feel more interactive and helps me actually remember what I’m learning instead of letting it slip away.
Refillable water bottle: Obviously, you’ve gotta stay hydrated! Europeans may survive on espresso and wine, but when you need actual water, it seems like it’s either sparkling or nowhere to be found. 😂 A refillable bottle also comes in handy at Italy’s public drinking fountains, especially in Rome.
Final Thoughts
Over time, I’ve realized that the best travel essentials aren’t just about being practical—they’re about making the trip easier so you can actually enjoy where you are. These are the things I always end up reaching for when I’m in Italy, and they’ve made my trips smoother, more comfortable, and a lot less stressful.
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to pack everything—it’s to pack what lets you focus less on what you forgot and more on the experience in front of you.
I’m always looking for ways to refine my packing. I’d love to know- what are your travel essentials when you go to Italy or abroad?
Looking for a more general guide on what to pack in your carry-on? Check out my Ultimate Carry-On Packing Guide for everything I recommend keeping with you while you travel.
